Join Harmony Library staff person Lauren Dunn and her certified therapy dog Moose to learn about their journey to pet assisted therapy and about how animals can promote and encourage mindfulness.  Animals effortlessly model how to be mindful or present in the moment.  Examples of mindful practices include breathing exercises, directed awareness of the senses, and purposeful observations.  Mindfulness can improve focus and attention, reduce stress and improve overall well-being.  Lauren and Moose will provide attendees with a solid introduction on how to achieve these goals through animal interactions, as well as information on how to get started training family pet candidates. 

 Moose is a three-year-old, 100-pound gentle giant who is a mix of Great Pyrenees and Labrador Retriever.  He was adopted into the Dunn family two years ago after being relocated from rural Texas by a local animal rescue organization. Lauren, a lifelong animal lover with a background in psychology and working with children, quickly recognized that Moose had the perfect personality and temperament to be a therapy dog. As fate would have it, a position became available at the library just as Lauren and Moose began their training together. Together, they host "Books with Moose" reading programs with children, as well as spontaneous visits with patrons when Moose is at the library. They are hopeful to expand their programs to patrons (not just children!) interested in benefiting from animal companionship and mindfulness.